Klay Thompson regrets ‘four rings’ taunt at Devin Booker in NBA clash last year

FILE– Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns handles the ball against Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors. Christian Petersen/Getty Images/AFP

MANILA, Philippines—Everyone has moments of weakness in their careers and basketball players are no better.

Golden State star Klay Thompson was “man enough” to admit he had a weak moment when he flexed his four NBA rings to young Phoenix guard Devin Booker during one of the two’s affairs in the 2022-23 season.

The Suns defeated the Warriors convincingly last year in October, 135-104, with Thompson being the center of attention after being thrown out of the game with two technical fouls. He was putting up four fingers to Booker on his way out of the playing court.

“I’m man enough to admit that we all have our moments of weakness. I’m not really proud of that one. Cause I see Devin Booker and I should be like, man, I should be proud of this young man,” said Thompson in an episode of “Podcast P” with host and fellow NBA star Paul George.

“I was in my feelings though and Book was busting my ass that day.”

Good chance you won't see Klay flexing his 4 rings to opponents again 😂 pic.twitter.com/xOXLGZqfW6

— Podcast P with Paul George (@PodcastPShow) August 7, 2023

Booker was indeed a cornerstone for Phoenix that day as he finished with 34 points, missing only nine of his 19 shots from the field, to go along with seven assists, three steals and two rebounds in the win.

Thompson, meanwhile, had no splash in his arsenal that day, finishing with only two markers and two assists. He sank only one out of his eight tries prior to ejection.

With time to think about his reaction to the game, Thompson said it was not something that aged well, despite it having numerous acknowledgments online.

“I was not where I needed to be. God. You know stuff doesn’t age well and that didn’t age well for me. I don’t need to be flexing four rings, like everybody knows that. That’s on Wikipedia,” said the four-time league champion.

“My game wasn’t where it was at and we all get insecure at times,” he added.